A quorum is four members with one from each House and we have that. Apologies have been received from Deputies Martin Browne and Matt Carthy. Deputy Martin Kenny is attending in substitution for Deputy Carthy. Apologies have also been received from Deputy Leddin who must chair another committee at this time.
I ask members to ensure, for the duration of the meeting, that their mobile telephones are switched off completely and switched to airplane safe or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not sufficient for members to just switch their phones to flight mode as it maintains the level of interference with the broadcasting system.
I welcome all members to the first meeting of the joint committee. Individually, members are key to the effective functioning of a committee and, in turn, committees play a key role in the effective functioning of the Houses.
I, therefore, am delighted to see that all of the committees are meeting this week. We are far from returning to normal but their resumption is a step in the right direction.
I thank all members of the previous committee for their hard work and contribution to the work of that committee. I welcome all members to this committee, particularly those who are new to the committee. I look forward to working with them all.
Members have received the agenda. We have a number of items to consider such as the work programme and the schedule of meetings to the end of the year. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic and related public health measures present a challenge to how committees conduct their business. I propose we go into private session to consider these items. Is that agreed? Agreed.